Max out your rewards with the IDFC FIRST Bank referral program

Vineet is the kind of person who reads the fine print. He’s smart with money, tracks his expenses, and knows how to make the most of every swipe on his credit card. When he got his IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card, he was already thinking about how to get more out of it.

Unlike many traditional referral systems that provide fixed-value rewards, IDFC FIRST Bank offers rewards based on how much your referee spends. This makes it more personalised and valuable for both you and the person you’re referring to.

If you're like Vineet, you probably want to make the most of your credit card, too. The referral program is a great place to start. Let’s break it down.

What is the IDFC FIRST Bank referral program?
 

The IDFC FIRST Bank referral program, Refer and Earn, is simple. It allows existing credit cardholders to introduce their friends and family to the bank’s credit card offerings. When you refer someone to get an IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card, you help them apply for a card that fits their financial needs and lifestyle.

Unlike many traditional referral systems that provide fixed-value rewards, the IDFC FIRST Bank offers rewards based on how much your referee spends. This makes it more personalised and valuable for both you and the person you’re referring to.

When Vineet discovered it, he saw it as more than a bonus feature. It was a genuine way to earn from something he trusted and used—without incurring extra costs or needing to upgrade to a new card. And with IDFC FIRST Bank being recognised among the ‘World’s Best Banks 2025’ by Forbes in partnership with Statista, he felt confident referring a credible and respected institution.

What can you earn with the referral program?
 

Like most people, what caught Vineet’s attention was that he did not need to spend extra to sign up for the referral program. In fact, he did not even have to chase anyone. He simply needed to share his referral link and get rewarded when his friend got a card and used it.

Here’s what you earn from the referral program –

1. You get 5% cashback (up to ₹1,000) on what you spend in the 30 days after your friend’s card is issued
2. This cashback goes up to ₹2000 if you hold premium metal cards like the Ashva or Mayura Credit Cards
3. You also get domestic lounge access, even if your current card doesn’t include it
4. You can refer more than one person—every successful referral gives you more rewards

Note – Referrer benefits are not applicable on FIRST SWYP Credit Card or corporate/purchase cards from IDFC FIRST Bank.

Vineet made his regular card spends, just like always. However, some of that money has now come back to him, thanks to his friend signing up, helping him generate passive income through referrals.

Moreover, his friend also got unique benefits, like –

1. A tailored credit card—Vineet’s friends do not have to sign up for the same card as him unless it suits them
2. ₹500 in gift vouchers on a ₹5,000 spend
3. 5% cashback (up to ₹1000) on their first EMI within 30 days of lifetime-free credit card generation
4. Access to 300+ merchant offers, movie offers, fuel surcharge waivers, and more, subject to the chosen card variant

Vineet’s friend didn’t lose out by using a referral. In fact, she got more than she would have had if she had applied directly.

How to refer someone: A step-by-step guide to the referral program
 

Here’s the good news—the referral program is straightforward. Here's a breakdown of how you can refer others and start earning rewards –

1. Step 1 – Log in to your IDFC FIRST Bank Account through the mobile banking app.
2. Step 2 – Look for the “Refer and Earn” section. Here, you’ll find a form where you’ll input the mobile number registered with the bank. Once you do, you will get your unique referral link.
3. Step 3 – Now comes the fun part. You can share the referral link with your friends via WhatsApp, email, or social media. Make sure to mention the rewards they’ll receive for signing up—it’s a win-win for both of you.
4. Step 4 – Once your friend successfully applies and the bank issues them a credit card, you’ll get reward points when it is activated. It’s that simple.

It’s a smooth journey not just for you—but also for the referee, who gets a faster, simpler application experience compared to finding and applying on the website directly.

Practical tips to increase your referrals without being pushy
 

While it’s tempting to send your referral link to every person in your contact list, it’s important to approach the process with care. After all, you don’t want to come across as pushy. Here are a few tips Vineet follows to ensure his referrals are well received –

1. Personalise your message

When sharing your referral link, don’t simply copy and paste it. Send a brief, personalised message explaining why you’re recommending the IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card.

For example, mention benefits like receiving up to 10X rewards that don’t expire or the low interest rates ranging from 8.5% to 46.2% per annum. Let them know how the card gives you best-in-class lifestyle privileges, like access to exclusive offers and benefits. You could also mention the 0% interest on ATM withdrawals for up to 45 days, which is a significant advantage for those who occasionally need cash.

Vineet found this approach effective. When you personalise your message, it feels less like a sales pitch and more like a helpful recommendation based on real value.

2. Don’t spam

Avoid sending the referral link to everyone in your contacts. Instead, target those who you think would genuinely benefit from the card. You can always send a follow-up message if they show interest.

3. Pick the right moment

Timing matters. Don’t randomly send your link; wait for the right opportunity. Discuss it when talking about finances, travel, or shopping. It’s a natural fit to mention IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards when someone’s talking about earning rewards or planning a holiday.

Clearing up common myths about the referral program
 

Vineet had a few doubts when he first explored the referral program. If you’ve got questions too, you’re not alone. Let’s clear up the most common myths.

1. Myth 1 – It’s just spamming.

No, it’s not—unless you make it so. The referral program works best when you share it with individuals who would benefit from it. Add a short note about how it helped you. Mindfully sharing your referral link turns it into a useful recommendation, not spam.

2. Myth 2 – Only brand-new customers can be referred.

You can refer anyone who doesn’t already hold an IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card. They don’t need to be new to the bank—just new to the card. This opens up more opportunities for successful referrals.

Sharing a referral doesn’t mean becoming a salesperson. It’s just about pointing someone in the right direction, just like Vineet does.

How the referral program compares to regular credit card rewards
 

Referrals offer a unique advantage over regular spending-based rewards. While everyday purchases help you earn points or cashback based on your expenses, referral programs reward you for bringing new users on board.

This means you can maximise your rewards and even save more money without increasing your own spending—something that regular reward points or cashback programs can’t offer.

Maximise rewards with the IDFC FIRST Bank referral program

Vineet has found success by following a simple process and sharing the opportunity with those who will genuinely benefit.

Like Vineet, you can make the most of your IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card by learning how to make the referral code work for you. Log in to your IDFC FIRST Bank account today and generate your referral link. Share it with your friends via WhatsApp, email, or social media. Start earning rewards and see just how easy it is to get more out of your credit card.